Hello, mi neighbour! Ignorance can be a helluva thing! Take, for instance, a gentleman who, because of illiteracy, overdosed himself with tablets rather than follow the instructions of the doctor as written on the label. Just like that, he almost lost his life. Couldn't read!

Consequences do not overlook ignorance. Arguably, ignorance is responsible for much of the pain, suffering and misery experienced by individuals daily. Here's the point: if people knew that if they gave more of their substance, time and effort to the cause of others, they would receive much more in return, they would definitely be cheerful givers.

I observe that fruit trees, plants, vines, roots and the sea, etc are always giving. And the more they give, it's the more they receive in order to give again.

As human beings, what lesson can we extrapolate? I think we can take at least two: The more we give, it's the more we receive. We can also learn that if we are not giving in some way to others, our existence could be in jeopardy. This is the point this column has been endeavouring to make over the last three to four weeks.

As we raise these important issues, thankfully, many persons are catching on. There is hope! And we are determined to continue working with our neighbours until we are all up to speed.

Listen neighbours, together we will create a culture of giving as we work assiduously at wiping out this culture of killing which seems bent on wiping out the entire island! We are saying that neighbours should be more understanding and tolerant of one another. We are saying that they should give kind words, give peace and give a smile; give just about anything which will be of benefit to someone else.

Financial woes

Despite what the financial wizards have been saying (and I respect their invaluable contributions), if we grasp and follow the simple and straightforward principles of giving and receiving, our financial woes are over! I am telling you that if individuals would simply begin to look out for individuals who are less fortunate than they are and help to meet their needs, based on divine laws, everyone will become wealthier. There are numerous instances in the Bible, as well as a plethora of empirical data based on my own experiences.

I'd like to say thanks to some of our neighbours who read the column last week and called to help some neighbours.

Volunteer your love by loving your neighbours as yourself and do something special for a neighbour today.

Thanks to

1. Marjorie, who wants to help Christine's 17-year-old son to finish his high-school education.

2. Caree, a Jamaican student from overseas, for offering to help a Jamaican neighbour.

3. Marcia, overseas, who is making a financial contribution to the well-being of a Jamaican neighbour.

4. Kareen, for offering a crib to a neighbour who just had a young child.

5. Jack, Canada, who will be making financial contributions to help with the initiative.

6. Christine, United States, for interest in helping financially.

7. Joan, for willingness to purchase a fan to help with the comfort of her neighbour's children.

8. Seventy-two-year-old Ms Stewart from the US, who has offered to contribute to her neighbours through this column.

9. Maudine, USA, who is offering children's clothing to her little neighbours in Jamaica.

10. Delsie, Canada, who wants to help purchase a water tank for a blind neighbour in Portland, Jamaica.

11. Sharon, USA, who has great interest in this column and is mobilising her friends to support their Jamaican neighbours through this initiative.

Can you help these neighbours?

To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or send email to neighbourtoo@yahoo.com. We'll make the link-up.

1. Pat of Kingston is seeking help for Jason (street person) who needs to be placed in a home. Will need bed, sheets, clothing, etc.

2. Mr Allen of St Andrew, trained chef, challenged by the job market, is seeking to start own business. Asking neighbours for assistance in acquiring a used stove and/or a small freezer.

3. Miss Logan of St Elizabeth, lost furniture in last hurricane. In need of bed bases for a single and double bed.

4. Miss Hughes is seeking help from her neighbours, a bed for her brother who is now sleeping on boards.

5. Neighbour with six children in Manchester was recently separated. Needs help with second-hand furniture, clothing or the construction of a board house.

6. Sharon in St Andrew is appealing to her neighbours to assist two elderly males in her community who are in need of food, clothing and a good home.

7. Jennifer from St Catherine is seeking someone from rural Jamaica to stay at her elderly father's home.

8. Beverly, a third-year tertiary student, needs a computer monitor and a printer. She is already in possession of a CPU.

9. Jennifer of Clarendon lost everything, including two beds to fire. Mother ran away leaving three children, who are now sleeping on the floor. Asking neighbours for a bed and a sewing machine to help move on with their lives.